Just 24 kms from
Haridwar, the divine city of Rishikesh is located in the laps of
Himalayas. This beautiful city is encircled by the picturesque
hills on
all three sides. The setting becomes even more charming
with Sacred Ganga flowing through the valley. The divine land
offers a perfect meditation center where pilgrims from all over
the world come to attain salvation. The city of Rishikesh houses
many new and ancient temples along the Holy river Ganga.

Rishikesh is an important pilgrimage centre closely related to
the Ramayana, and many Hindu religious and spiritual centers all
over the city. The place is also renowned for a Yoga Centre,
ashrams, and Yoga institutes. Rishikesh is the commencing point
for many journeys to Chardham including Kedarnath, Badrinath,
Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Apart from religious significance, Rishikesh is also a beloved
destination for sportsmen. You can enjoy white water rafting and
many other sports, trekking, rock climbing, and hiking in the
Himalayas. Tourists from across the world haunt Rishikesh to
enjoy various trekking expeditions and excursions. Every year
thousands of tourists visit Rishikesh during the International
Yoga week, which is held at Rishikesh from 2nd-7th Feb on the
banks of the Ganga river.

Laxman Jhula
This is the old suspension bridge over river The
Ganga ( Ganges ) located at the far end of Rishikesh
town. This Lakshman Jhula ( bridge ) attracts more
crowd than Ram Jhula which is another new bridge
close to Rishikesh town. Approach to Laxman Jhula
passes through many shops and restaurants selling
trekking bags to T-shirts and rudraksha , spotik
malas ( garlands of precious stones ). Ask your
driver to take you close to the bridge as the road
passes through some climbing and descending steps.
At other side of Lakshman jhula there is Gita
Bhavan, temples and many ashrams. You can take a
boat ride and return to main road side of the
bridge. Walk over the bridge and if you want you can
go for a long walk at the other side.

Ram jhula
This suspension bridge is wider than Laxman Jhula.
At the other side of this bridge there is nice
restaurants and one of them is famous Chotiwala
established in the year 1958 by Late Krishan Swroop
Agarwal & Har Swroop Agarwal. There are two
Chotiwala restaurants of two brothers. Cross the
bridge and you can return by boat to main bank of
river Ganga

Rishikesh Ganga Arati at Parmarth Ganga Arati at
Parmarth Rishikesh Niketan
One of the attractions at Rishikesh is the Ganga
Aarti along with evening prayer by the side of river
Ganga. This is performed at Parmarth Niketan ghat
near Ram Jhula. From road side cross the river by
Ram Jhula ( bridge ) and move towards your right
side along the river bank for about 0.5 KM ( go in
the direction of flow of water ). In this side of
the river bank near Ram Jhula the famous Choti Wala
restaurant is there. You can easily locate this
place because of its beautiful design with marble
flooring. Close to the bank on the river side there
is a sitting statue of Lord Shiva. Remove your shoos
at the free shoo stand and take your seat at one of
the steps. Before the Arati some devotional songs
like Hanuman Chalisa and some others were song by
some devotees of the Parmarth group. After the
devotional songs the Arati is performed and after
this also the singing program continues for some
more time. The song with music charge the atmosphere
with spiritual feelings

Bharat Mandir
Built by Adiguru Shankra Chrya in the 12th century, Bharat
Mandir is located in the heart of the town on the Banks of the
Ganga river. You can find the detailed story about the oldest
temple of Rishikesh in ancient record of Kearkhand.

Parmarth Niketan
It is another famous temple in the area , which is known for its
world famous work on Hinduism. The temple complex houses a
school and an ashram, which are run on traditional Indian
Patterns. You can participate in the magnificent Ganga Arti and
Hawan every evening.

Kunjapuri Temple
You can drive to Kunja Puri, which is one of the thirteen most
important temples of Goddesses of Shivalik range. You can
witness sunrise or sun set on the Greater Himalayan from this
temple and view the the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas from here.

Rishikund
Near Triveni ghat, Rishikund is another ancient place with
records relating it to Kubz Saint , who was blessed by the
Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond by its water. This pond
reflects the temple of Raghunath in its waters, which is
dedicated to lord Rama and his wife.

Triveni Ghat
It is one of the main Ghats in the town where many pilgrims take
holy dip. Pilgrims even come here every evening to witness and
participate in the Ganga Arti.

Hotel
Yog Vashishth is a 3 star category hotel and is
situated at one of the best areas in and around
Swargashram, Rishikesh - the Yoga Capital of the
World, a serene and peaceful locale away from the
main highway. Each deluxe room at Hotel Yog
Vashishth offers breath taking views of the
Himalayan Hills and a private quiet balcony area to
relax, sip a cup of tea or just read a book to the
sound of the wind kissing the hills.